Select Health Centre – Edmonton’s Naturopathy Options

Dr. Steinke at Select Health Centre has been a busy man in his quest to provide quality health options for Edmonton, both becoming a naturopathic doctor and remaining educated in the latest treatment modalities and techniques. The Centre’s staff is passionate about helping you find the right wellness plan for your body and health goals. Dr. Steinke offers a wide variety of naturopathic treatments, along with in-office lab tests. Our dispensary is well stocked with professional grade supplements, botanicals and naturopathic remedies for the treatment and convenience of our patients. We can also offer nutritional advice and health resources.

Naturopathy in Alberta

Naturopathy has a long tradition in Alberta; it has evolved with science and technology, just as medical care and the government-paid health care system have evolved. Naturopathic doctors have eight years of post-secondary education on average, including an undergraduate degree. Naturopathic doctors still learn all of the traditional medical sciences, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, lab diagnosis, differential diagnosis, pathology and radiology.

However, naturopathic medicine also includes training in alternative and complementary medicine, such as homeopathy, herbal medicine, nutrition, naturopathic bodywork, nutritional IV therapies, injection therapies and more. Medical doctors focus on making a diagnosis and then following a pre-approved schedule of therapeutic agents. On the other hand, naturopathic doctors tend to work toward a diagnosis, looking functionally at the context of the person’s condition.

Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic physicians practice the six fundamental principles of naturopathic medicine:

The Healing Power of NatureThe practice of naturopathic medicine recognizes an ordered and intelligent self-healing process that is inherent to every individual. Naturopathic doctors work to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery and to facilitate this natural self-healing process.

Identify and Treat the CausesIn addition to alleviating acute and chronic symptoms of disease, naturopathic doctors seek to identify and remove underlying causes of illness. Rather than merely eliminating or suppressing symptoms, this approach moves the body toward maintaining an optimal state of health.

First Do No HarmUtilize the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies, focusing on:

Using methods and medicines that minimize the risk of harmful side effects

Using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat

Avoiding, when possible, the harmful suppressing of symptoms

Acknowledging, respect and work with the individual self-healing process

Doctor as TeacherNaturopathic doctors work collaboratively with patients by sharing knowledge and information to create a successful treatment plan. Patients are encouraged to take responsibility for their own optimal health.

Treat the Whole PersonIn addition to addressing specific complaints or symptoms, naturopathic doctors look at the “whole picture.” The physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors contributing to the health of each individual patient are thoroughly considered.

PreventionEmphasize prevention of disease by assessing risk factors, heredity and susceptibility to disease in each patient. Appropriate interventions can then be made in partnership with patients to best help their progress.